rked upon them like a
spell, and they stood still, awe-struck and mute. Even the Carlist
chief was compelled to own its power, although, perhaps, he would not
have felt by any means inclined to submit to that potent spell had he
not seen its effect upon his followers.

"I don't believe it," he growled.

"You do believe it," said the priest, fiercely: "you know it.
Besides, I hold here the mandate of the King;" and he brandished the
paper, shouting at the same time, "Viva el Rey!" at which all the men
caught up the same cry and shouted in unison.

The priest smiled a good-natured, amiable, forgiving smile.

"After all," said he, in a milder voice, "it is well for you to be
cautious. I approve of this rough reception: it is soldierlike. It
shows that you are true to the King. But read this. Give me something
to eat and drink, and then I will tell you my errand."

With these words he handed the paper to the Carlist chief, who took
it somewhat sulkily, and read as follows:

"_Head-quarters, Vera, August 23d, 1873.

"To all officers of the army, and to all good and loyal subjects,
greeting: Receive and respect our friend and lieutenant the Cure of
Santa Cruz, who bears this, and is engaged in a special mission in
our service. CARLOS_."

On reading this the Carlist chief drew a long breath, looked around
upon his followers, elevated his eyebrows, and finally turned to the
priest.

"What do you want?" he asked, in no very courteous manner.

"Nothing," said the priest. "Not one single thing from you
but--breakfast. Don't be alarmed. I haven't come in here to interfere
with you at all. My business is elsewhere. Do you understand me?"

The priest gave him a glance which was meant to convey more than the
words expressed. At this the whole manner of the Carlist chief
underwent a change. He at once dropped all his sourness and gloom.

"Do you mean it?" he asked, eagerly.

The priest nodded.

"Certainly."

"Then," cried the Carlist, "you're right welcome, and I hope you'll
not mind what's happened. We have to be cautious, you know, and
suspicious."

"My dear friend, I assure you I shouldn't have troubled you at all,
only I'm starving."

"Then I swear you shall have the best breakfast in all Spain. Come
in; come in. Come, in the name of Heaven, and I'll give you a
breakfast that will last you for a week."

With these words the Carlist chief led the way inside, and the priest
followed.

It was the lower s